01/14/2019 12:21:06 PM

Jan14

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Hello Temple Family,

We had two very productive Congregational Forums in December. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to attend one of these sessions and share your feedback related to our Senior Rabbi search. Here are some of the things we learned during these sessions:

Our congregation is looking for a new Senior Rabbi who will be a visionary, relate well with and compliment Cantor Lissek, demonstrate leadership, and be able to engage with all generations within our kehillah. We want a Rabbi who will uphold the values and traditions of Conservative Judaism while being open to contemporary music and modern programs ideas.

Based on your feedback, we will be incorporating opportunities for our candidates to engage with multiple groups within our congregation during their visits to Charlotte and also to meet with our Shalom Park partners.

To view all of the notes capturing the thoughts and ideas shared during our two forums, please click here.

11/25/2018 09:58:31 PM

Nov25

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On Sunday, November 4, 2018, an orientation meeting of the Senior Rabbi Search Committee was convened. This Committee is Co-Chaired by Amy Udoff and Gary Michel. Seven working groups have been formed, each tasked with specific duties and responsibilities, and supporting the Co-Chairs of the Committee. In turn, each working group is comprised of team members led by a Leader or Co-Leaders. Names are listed in alphabetical order. The Committee is a fluid, dynamic entity, subject to change without notice.

Congregational Questionnaire Working Group: Ron Weiner, Leader, was supported by Glenda Bernhardt, Gary Michel, David Rosenthal, Amy Udoff and Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak, our United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Southeast Seaboard District Kehillah Relationship Manager. The work of this group has been completed with the acceptance of our Congregational Questionnaire and posting of our Senior Rabbi position with The Rabbinical Assembly.

11/16/2018 05:39:08 PM

Nov16

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Hello Temple Israel Kehillah,

My name is Amy Udoff and I am Co-chairing the Senior Rabbi Search Committee along with Gary Michel. I am a 4th generation Temple Israel member, my great grandparents, Harry and Rebecca Roth were one of the first weddings at Temple Israel. My grandparents, Marylin and Morris Roth, were also members of Temple Israel. My grandfather, Morris, was one of the founding members of United Brotherhood. My parents, Dorothy and Norman Shapiro, were married at Temple Israel on Dilworth Road and are still active members of Temple Israel today - my mom has helped transition the old “Young Couples Club” members to become the new “Empty Nesters” group at Temple Israel! (Time flies when you’re having fun at TI!) My husband Ross and I were married at Temple Israel by Rabbi Ezring and Cantor Roochvarg, who also helped me become a Bat Mitzvah. Most importantly, Ross and I have two children, Olivia (4) and Jacob (2) who love our Clergy and feel at home here at Temple Israel. Any chance they have to run up to both Rabbi Ezring and Cantor Lissek to give both of them big hugs means that it’s going to be a good day. My son Jacob even had a meltdown once because Rabbi Ezring wasn’t in the building when we were there; we had to call him later to schedule a visit.

Why am I telling you all of this? Because my children are only two of the many, many children who will be the future of our synagogue. It’s critical we find a rabbi who can share with our next generation of children, the traditions of Conservative Judaism while also allowing all of us to continue to grow in our own Jewish journeys.

Based on information shared via congregational surveys and focus groups, you have let us know that we would like our next Senior Rabbi to be:

Someone who is deeply versed in Jewish texts and committed to Jewish traditional practice, able to transmit the beauty and richness of Judaism to others.

Someone who has the vision and ability to energize others religiously, spiritually and intellectually, and to model the ideals of traditional Judaism in the contemporary world. The future of Jewish life requires nothing less.

Someone who has the tools to navigate the sea of Torah and Jewish living, bridging the applicability to all aspects of contemporary life.

Someone who is an innovative and authentic individual.

Someone who is transformative, willing to dare, combining action and leadership, connecting and activating what it means to be Jewish within the framework of our contemporary world

We hope and expect to find a wonderful individual who has all of these skills and embodies all of these characteristics to lead Temple Israel into the future. We look forward to updating you all as our search continues.